Pamela Atkinson psychotherapist and counsellor

PSYCHOTHERAPY | COUNSELLING | SUPERVISION

ABOUT ME

I am an Integrative psychotherapist, counsellor and clinical supervisor with thirty-five years of professional experience. My approach is compassionate, intelligent and creative with a warm yet straightforward and welcoming manner. UKCP registered as both a psychotherapist and supervisor, I have an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Supervision.

Born in New York City, I have lived my adult life mainly in England. I have also lived in Italy and Ireland.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I have worked in private practice since 1990 with people from a wide range of backgrounds including LGBTQIA+ and those who are neurodivergent. I have also provided therapy, counselling, training, supervision and consultancy in various therapeutic organisations.

I have worked in the social care sector as a psychotherapist with issues such as childhood sexual abuse, youth offending and rehabilitation, substance use, homelessness, and mental illness.

For my work as a clinical supervisor, my experience as a trainer and Director at a long established London training institute, The Minster Centre, is key. I designed and taught MA and Diploma courses leading to professional and academic qualifications in psychotherapy and counselling with Middlesex University, the UKCP and BACP. I led a staff group of twenty five psychotherapists and tutors and advised and taught hundreds of students over the course of ten years. This experience enables me to take an overview of therapeutic practice and understand how best to work with a wide range of people from trainees to early career therapists to those who are more senior in the field.

I have an ability to connect with people, discussing ideas and presenting information in a clear, accessible and relevant way.

I am open minded and keep up to date with developments in the field of psychotherapy and counselling through Continuing Professional Development and membership of professional interest groups.

Born in New York City, I have lived my adult life mainly in England. I have also lived in Italy and Ireland.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I have worked in the social care sector as a psychotherapist with issues such as childhood sexual abuse, youth offending and rehabilitation, substance use, homelessness, and mental illness.

I have an ability to connect with people, discussing ideas and presenting information in a clear, accessible and relevant way.

I am open minded and keep up to date with developments in the field of psychotherapy and counselling through Continuing Professional Development and membership of professional interest groups.

HOW I WORK

As a therapist I am compassionate, caring and intelligent. I invite you to tell me about yourself, what you see as important for me to know about you, and what you are hoping for from therapy.

I listen to you with warmth, compassion and attunement, creating a space where you feel safe, respected and heard. Together we explore your thoughts and feelings, to understand the current and past influences in your life, how you see your future, what is important to you.

I respond sensitively, paying careful attention to what you say and helping you to express how you think and feel. Many people come to therapy wanting to feel better – about themselves, in their identity, in the world, in their relationships or at work. I work with you to find ways to understand and calm difficult or distressing thoughts, emotions and sensations, to find clarity and to facilitate change.

I am experienced in working with

depression
anxiety
relationship issues
low self-esteem
lack of confidence
bereavement
trauma
history of childhood neglect
history of sexual abuse or violence
sense of emptiness, hopelessness, lack of joy, lack of satisfaction
disconnection from self and others
cultural issues
developing into adulthood
ageing

I seek to understand each person’s individual experience as uniquely shaping who they are. I also recognise the importance of everyday contexts and take into account gender, ethnic identity, class, sexuality, health, family and community, and the political and social spheres.

Key influences in my work are:

humanistic practices, Gestalt, existentialism, phenomenology, person centred
psychodynamic traditions, Klein, Winnicott, object relations, self-psychology
attachment theory
contemporary ideas of intersubjectivity and the dialogic relationship
current developments regarding embodiment, polyvagal theory, mindfulness and somatic processing

A sense of being safe in your body and feeling grounded is crucial to wellbeing. Regarding yourself with compassion and living a life aligned with your values are also prime objectives.

I welcome people of all backgrounds. I am experienced in working with those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those who are neurodivergent, including ADHD.

WHAT I OFFER

PSYCHOTHERAPY + COUNSELLING

I provide short-term and long-term therapy to adults of all ages and backgrounds. This takes the form of ongoing sessions, usually weekly – although other frequencies are possible – continuing for a mutually agreed length of time.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

I have a Diploma in Supervision and I am listed on the UKCP Register of Supervisors. I work individually and in groups with therapists from a variety of modalities. Due to my experience as a trainer I am particularly skilled in working with trainees and early career therapists. I aim to create a safe space for supervisees whether they are long experienced, recently qualified or still training.

ONLINE + IN PERSON

I work both online with clients from all over the world and in person in Cambridge.

FREE INITIAL MEETING

It is important that clients find the right therapist for them. To facilitate this I offer a free, online, informal 30 minute discussion to explore what you are looking for, answer your questions and to see if we would work well together.

SUPERVISION, MENTORING + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

My aim as a supervisor is to help you develop your professional identity in a way which is aligned with whom you see yourself to be as a practitioner, according to your modality, your values, your experience and your interests.

With over thirty years of professional experience as a psychotherapist, consultant, trainer and supervisor I have a wide range of experience to draw on. I have worked both long term and short term in private practice, with EAPs, third sector charities, in further and higher education and with young people. My many years as a trainer and course designer enable me to help you make clear links to how you apply theory and methodology in your practice. This helps people to develop an explicit working model of how they practice which is useful for understanding their professional identity as well as job seeking, career advancement, further qualification, public speaking and research.

FEES

My fees range from £75 (online) to £95 (in person). All sessions are 60 minutes long. I am open to discussing a reduction in fees.